Meera Modi - Guest post #2

Read Meera's first post here

How is your placement going so far?

I have been on this placement for four months now and although it has had its ups and downs, it has been a really good experience mixing with non-deaf colleagues and getting used to the idea of having an interpreter there as part of my work. In my everyday life, I am on my own and generally cope well but in the workplace an interpreter is provided for me (by the BBC Access Services) so that I can have equal access to auditory communication like everyone else. I felt taking this placement provided the right support for me and this has been a great help.
I have already learned a lot on my placement so far such as mixing with different people, supporting successful people and how best to work with them every day and it has boosted my confidence in communicating with non-deaf people as well as my general administration skills. I am keen to start looking for work on design programmes and may start to apply for other opportunities shortly so as to have my next step after my placement sorted. This extended placement is for me to focus on learning about the BBC; whilst enjoying this, I am keen to develop greater responsibilities. This has sometimes been difficult to accommodate without infringing on other people's areas. I hope after this placement colleagues will realise I have potential and hopefully I may be offered more responsibility than I have had so far. Also I am younger than most of my colleagues and I would enjoy it if there was a better mix of ages and more people of the same age group as me. But on the whole I am very glad I took the job.

What's your personality like (for those that haven't met you yet)?

I am described as bubbly and friendly, caring, a good problem solver, empathetic and compassionate. I am also a good listener and very supportive of my family and friends. I have been told that I am occasionally direct, but that this is a good thing because it means people know where they stand with me! I have the willingness to try new things and I need to be kept busy and challenged.

What are your likes and dislikes?

I dislike dishonesty, communication breakdowns (when people aren't sure how to approach me), time wasters and non-productivity. I dislike routine and enjoy spontaneity.
I love food! I enjoy learning to cook and would like to learn more about Indian food. I like to go out and socialise and enjoy the cinema (watching subtitled films) and shopping, as well as having lunch afterwards. It is important to me to stay in touch with my friends, many of whom are all over the UK and even overseas due to having gone to boarding school.

I also love the outdoors whatever the weather. I enjoy exploring and travelling to different countries with exciting cultures. This also gives me the chance to capture some great scenery using my photography knowledge from my college days. Being a member of the deaf community, there are many events and occasions through the year held across the UK. Recently, I was camping in Bristol at a festival where I met many new faces with similar background to me but with interesting life stories.

I'm in another world when reading books, particularly mystery novels by writers like Agatha Christie. It's thrilling trying to work out who the culprit is. Another favourite author is Paulo Coelho.